Make an Embroidered Freestanding Winter Village

Miniature houses are a charming way to add personality and warmth to your home décor. Whether you line them up on your mantel, nestle one into a bookshelf, or craft a whimsical centerpiece, this embroidered winter village is endlessly versatile. Plus, they’re perfect for personalizing—design them to reflect your home, a beloved shop, or even as a thoughtful housewarming gift!

Materials

Cut

Cut felt, cotton fabric, and fiber form according to the charts below.

Download design and load onto the machine.

Embroider

Hoop the wash-away stabilizer. Load the hoop onto the machine.

Stitch the placement line for the felt. Float the felt and stitch the tack-down stitch.

Continue stitching through Step 6. Before starting Step 7, change the bobbin thread to match the top thread.

Change the bobbin thread back to white and continue stitching the pattern, changing colors as needed.

Stop stitching before the final step. Remove the hoop from the machine and the fabric from the hoop.

Trim the felt and stabilizer close to the edge of the house around the outside. Secure any loose stitches with Fray Check.

Run the design under water to remove the stabilizer, and let it air dry.

Repeat all steps to stitch the back of the house.

Construct

With the front and back of your structures complete, it’s time to craft the sides and roofs, then assemble them with the embroidered pieces to create your freestanding designs.

With right sides together match the 3″ edge of the house side and roof pieces. Stitch together with 1/2″ seam allowance.
Stitch the remaining side piece to the other 3″ edge of the roof. Press seam allowance open. This piece is now referred to as side/roof.

Working on a flat surface, place the side/roof and backing piece with right sides together. Stitch together at both short ends.
Turn both pieces with right side out and press sewn ends well.

Measure and mark the center of the roof. Stitch along marked line, securing the side/roof to the backing. Stitch two additional lines along the previous stitch lines, securing the sides to the roof.

Stitch one final row of stitching along the bottom edge of the piece 1/2″ from the raw edge.

This creates 4 pockets for the fiber form. Insert fiber form into each section. Close the opening by stitching along the top edge of the piece 1/2″ from the raw edge.

Finish both raw edges with a zigzag stitch.

Clip into each seam allowance up to but not through the stitch lines. To allow for folding, cut a wedge instead of a straight line.

Working on a flat surface, place the front right side down. Lay a line of glue along the sides and roof just inside the stitching.

Fold the side/roof along the stitch lines and fold the seam allowance toward the inside. Place the folded side/roof on the front, lining up the bottom, sides, and roof. Secure with fabric clips.

Repeat with the back of house and opposite side of side/roof.

Allow glue to dry, then remove clips.

Repeat the same process for all the buildings in the village!

With your freestanding mini houses complete, the creative possibilities are endless!

These charming embroidery designs can also be stitched into ornaments to adorn your holiday tree or used to add a festive touch to pillows, table runners, and other home décor projects. Whether you’re decorating for a special occasion or simply adding a cozy flair to your space, these versatile designs are sure to brighten any setting. So grab your supplies, let your imagination run wild, and enjoy bringing these delightful creations to life!

Originally published in the Winter 2023 issue of Sew News Magazine. Written by Patten Laurel.

Sources

Embroidery Online carries OESD Fiber Form and AquaMesh: embroideryonline.com
By Annie carries the Stiletto: byannie.com
Aleene’s carries Original Tacky Glue: aleenes.com

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